As of yesterday, the DNR reports three firearm-involved hunting incidents during the opening weekend of the 2021 nine-day gun deer season, Nov. 20-21. The department reminds hunters to be safe.
- Door County, Brussel Township: On Nov. 20, at approximately 6:45 a.m., a 40-year-old male suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the hand. The victim had placed his hand on the muzzle after pulling the hammer back on his firearm. The victim believed he pulled the trigger, and the bullet struck his left pinky. He sought medical attention, was treated and released.
- Door County, Sturgeon Bay: On Nov. 21, at approximately 7 a.m., a 10-year-old male was the victim of a gunshot wound. A 45-year-old male shooter was hunting from his residence when he shot at a deer. The shooter attempted to unload his firearm, at which time it discharged inside of the house and struck the victim. The victim was transported to a hospital and treated.
- Waukesha County, Ottawa Township: On Nov. 21, at approximately 6:21 a.m., a 30-year-old male suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the leg. The victim was in a tree stand when he tried to hang the gun on a hanger. The gun discharged, striking him in the right leg. The victim was transported to a hospital and treated.
Wisconsin’s 10-year average is approximately six hunting incidents for the nine-day gun deer hunt. The decline in incidents is the direct result of hunter safety education given by Wisconsin’s volunteer instructors and conservation wardens.
Wardens remind all hunters to use the four firearm safety rules as a cornerstone for safe and successful outings:
- T – Treat every Firearm as if it is loaded
- A – Always Point the muzzle in a safe direction
- B – Be certain of your target, what’s before it, and what’s beyond it
- K – Keep your finger outside your trigger guard until you are safe to shoot.
Learn more about safe hunting: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/Education/OutdoorSkills/HuntingSafety
DNR VIOLATION HOTLINE: Anyone with information regarding natural resource violations may confidentially report by calling or texting: VIOLATION HOTLINE: 1-800-TIP-WDNR or 1-800-847-9367. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained staff relay the information to conservation wardens. File an online report: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/contact/Hotline.html
